Tribute to My First Ship: USS Merrimack (AO-179)

USS Merrimack (AO-179) underway in calm seas

Some ships are remembered for glory. Others, for firepower or fame.

My first ship wasn’t glamorous or fast. She wasn’t even armed.

But USS Merrimack (AO-179) was my first ship—and she taught me more than I ever expected about leadership, grit, and life at sea.

I recently wrote a full tribute to her, blending history with personal stories—including photos of her service and final days. You can read the full version here:

👉 Read the Full Tribute (with photos) on Substack​
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​Excerpt from My Full Tribute:
USS Merrimack wasn’t just another ship. She was a lifeline to the fleet, delivering fuel, supplies, and support wherever she was needed.

She also happened to be my first ship.

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